Inspectors find improvements in the provision of healthy food in schools

Chief Inspector of the Education and Training Inspectorate, Stanley Goudie, has highlighted improvements in the provision of healthy food in schools.

Mr Goudie was speaking following publication of a report on the approaches schools and employing authorities are taking to promote healthy eating.

A joint initiative involving the Department of Education, the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety and the Health Promotion Agency has been running since revised food-based nutritional standards were rolled out to schools in the 2007 autumn term. The Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) appointed two nutritional associates to monitor and promote the healthy food initiative.

Mr Goudie said: "The provision of healthy food in schools plays an important role in enabling children to get the most from their education. It is encouraging that a majority of schools are making progress in implementing the food-based nutritional standards and promoting healthy eating.

"There is strong evidence that schools are actively planning menus and training of staff with the health of pupils in mind. In addition, lessons provide opportunities for pupils to learn about nutritional concepts so they can make healthy choices for themselves.

"There are however areas identified where improvements need to be made in the future. These include the need for schools to effectively monitor the healthy eating programmes themselves and ensure that arrangements for healthy eating are considered in the School Development Planning process."

Notes to editors:

1. The Nutritional Associate’s Second Bi-Annual Report is available on the Education and Training Inspectorate website.
2. Media queries to the Department of Education Press Office on 028 9127 9207. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.